A Combination of Cognitive Training, Exercise and Vitamin D Improves Cognition

According to a recent study, adults can improve their cognition through aerobic-resistance exercises and computerized cognitive training. An additional component has now shown to even further improve cognition – vitamin D. Adults who suffer from mild cognitive impairments have shown improvement in their condition with a combination of these three, reports McKnights.

The study included about 175 people between the ages of 65 years and 84 years. They were diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or MCI. The study was conducted from 2016 to 2020.

For the trial, participants were placed in 5 different group for 20 weeks:

• Group 1: Received cognitive training, exercise and vitamin D (a 10,000 IU dose three times a week).
• Group 2: Received cognitive training, exercise and placebo vitamins
• Group 3: Received fake cognitive training, exercise and real vitamins
• Group 4: Received fake cognitive training, exercise and placebo vitamins
• Group 5: The control group received fake cognitive training, balance-toning exercise and placebo vitamins

Cognition in participants was measured using the Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale Cognitive 13 (ADAS-Cog-13) along with the Plus variant scales. The ADAS-Cog-13 has 13 tests to measure cognition. The Plus variant is deemed to be more sensitive to executive function and includes 5 more tests.

After a 6-month period, participants who were part of Groups 1 to 4 scored better on the ADAS-Cog-13 with an average of 1.79 point increase when compared to participants in Group 5. Participants in Groups 1 and 2 had an average improvement of 1.45 points. Group 1 performed the best with a 2.64 point increase. The authors stated changes in the Plus variant scale were not significant.

It was concluded that a triple dose of cognitive training, exercise and Vitamin D not only improves brain power but can also delay dementia. It has been noted that not enough Vitamin D can be linked to a decline in cognition.

Clinicians of Cornerstone Rehab provide rehabilitation therapy to older adults in skilled nursing facilities. Cornerstone Rehab has career opportunities for physical, occupational and speech therapists. For a complete list of career opportunities at CSR click here.